Class C CDL

A Class C CDL permits you to drive any vehicle that doesn’t fall into Class A or Class B (less than 26,000lbs), but is designed to either transport 16 or more passengers or for transportation of hazardous materials that require a placard display. In addition to being able to carry less weight than a Class A or Class B CDL, the Class C CDL also limits passenger age to being a minimum of 16 years old.

Class C CDL Requirements

To be given a Class C CDL you need to successfully complete the following tests:

General Knowledge

Pre-Trip Inspection

Other Exams or Additional Endorsements

Like the Class A and Class B CDL’s, the Class A CDL requires you to pass a written test that examines your knowledge of laws, safe driving, hazardous materials and other theoretical driving situations.

In addition to the written tests, a pre-trip inspection test and an on-road test are also performed to judge the practical skills and driving ability of the person being tested.

As with Class A and Class B commercial drivers licenses, Class C CDL’s also require a minimum age of 21 for interstate driving, a valid SSN (social security number), and in most cases you must be a resident of the state you’re getting licensed in.

Hi Mike, I don’t think you’ll need a CDL for the vehicle you describe. It’s under the weight limit, and you’ll be carrying fewer than 16 passengers. As long as you’re not transporting any HazMat materials, you should be good to go. However, I would strongly suggest that you check with your state’s DOT, just to make certain,.

Trucks that can’t be classified as Class A or Class B will fall under the Class C division. It’s usually vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, such as buses, or trucks that are hauling hazardous materials that must be placarded.

Hi Janice, the class C license has a minimum age of 16 for passengers, so I’m thinking you’ll need a class B license. They should be able to tell you at the driving school you attend, or you can check with your state’s DOT for an accurate answer.

Hi Cindy…that’s a fair question. As far as I know, yes, they do, since drivers are usually paid by the mile and based on experience. But to be sure, don’t hesitate to ask whenever you’re speaking with a trucking company rep if you think you may be interested in driving for them.